The 33rd edition of the Maralal International Camel Derby has kicked off at Yare Safari Camp in Samburu Central Sub-County, bringing together local and international visitors, athletes and residents for three days of sporting activities and cultural celebrations.

The annual event, which runs until Sunday, October 25, was officially opened by Samburu County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Gender, Culture, Social Services, Sports and Youth Affairs Evelyne Lentaano, who flagged off the opening races.

Lentaano said the derby was an important platform for promoting Samburu County as a tourism destination within Kenya’s northern tourism circuit.

She said this year’s theme focused on harmony, tourism, conservation, culture and peace, adding that the event provided an opportunity for communities living in the county to showcase their cultural heritage.

“To promote harmony, every community living within Samburu County has been given an opportunity to showcase its culture here at the Yare grounds,” she said.

The opening programme featured a 10-kilometre athletics race for men and women, followed by the 21-kilometre Black Mamba cycling race. Organisers expected more visitors from outside the county to attend the camel racing competitions scheduled for the following day.

Alex Konimpas Lenalipisho emerged victorious in the men’s 10-kilometre race, completing the course in 27 minutes and 47 seconds.

Lenalipisho expressed delight at representing Samburu County, saying the event would help strengthen unity and promote peaceful coexistence among communities.

“I am so glad to represent my county. This will really promote peace in our county, as well as enhance unity. The journey was quite good, and I managed to become the champion in 27.47 minutes,” he said.

He thanked the county government for organising the event and said he would travel to France the following week to represent Kenya in an international competition.

In the 21-kilometre Black Mamba cycling race, Dennis Lenaruti from Kisima in Samburu West Constituency emerged as the men’s champion.

Lenaruti described the race as challenging because of the intense heat and lack of water along the route, but said he was grateful to have secured victory.

“The journey was quite challenging, with extreme heat from the sun and no water. But after all, I managed to become the champion. I thank God for the opportunity, and I have a dream of representing my country, Kenya, in bicycle riding,” he said.

Sabina Elizabeth Leshipan won the women’s category of the Black Mamba cycling race. Leshipan, who has participated in the Maralal Camel Derby for several years, said she was looking forward to competing in other activities during this year’s edition.

“I thank God for the championship. I am looking forward to racing in multiple activities in this 33rd edition,” she said.

The event also highlighted the participation of persons with disabilities, with Joseph Lesingiran winning the 10-kilometre wheelchair race in 40 minutes.

Lesingiran said the annual derby had provided people with disabilities an opportunity to participate in sporting activities, gain recognition and earn money through prize awards.

“We are so thankful for the 33rd edition of the Maralal Camel Derby. This event has helped us as people with disabilities to be included, as many of us always remain at home because of our condition,” he said.

He added that participating in the races allowed competitors with disabilities to demonstrate their abilities while earning prizes for their achievements.

Lentaano said the event would continue to showcase the county’s cultural diversity while attracting visitors and creating opportunities for local communities.

Camel racing, athletics, cycling and other activities are expected to continue through Sunday as the three-day derby reaches its climax, with participants and spectators gathering at Yare grounds for the remaining competitions.

BY Timothy Lewarani and Emmanuel Kabera